Amazon is taking measurable steps to support a circular economy by following a clear waste hierarchy that puts prevention first, followed by reduction, reuse, recycling and composting, according to the recently published Amazon Sustainability Report 2024. Through multiple programs under its Renewed and ReCommerce services, the company has intensified its efforts in repair, reuse and resale, particularly across its retail and cloud businesses.
Repair programs help avoid returns
In 2024, Amazon’s repair-first strategy helped avoid 14 million product returns. The company encourages consumers to repair rather than replace, while also operating internal programs that restore damaged products for resale. Leading repair categories last year included laptops, tablets, robot vacuums and espresso machines. Within Amazon’s operations, more than 310,000 assets were reused or repurposed through lifecycle support and donation programs.
AWS repair hubs gain traction
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has also leaned into circularity. Through re:Cycle Reverse Logistics hubs, used datacenter equipment is assessed, repaired and resold on the secondary market. In 2024, over 11.5 million components were sold this way. These hubs enabled AWS to source 16% of its replacement parts from internal reuse, avoiding 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. Ireland’s re:Cycle hub was expanded in October 2024.
Used and refurbished sales on the rise
Amazon Resale and Amazon Renewed continue to grow. When returns meet quality standards, they are relisted “like new.” Items that do not qualify are sold at discounted prices with condition transparency. Amazon Outlet moved 68 million retail items in 2024, while customers were shown used versions for 16% of the products they browsed. Third-party sellers benefit from ReCommerce services that helped resell or donate 391 million items last year.
Trade-in program fuels refurbishment
The Amazon trade-in program allows customers in the US, UK and Germany to exchange eligible devices for gift cards or discounts. In 2024, over 1 million devices were traded in, many of which were refurbished and sold again via Amazon Renewed. And number is a bit disappointing if we consider Amazon’s market position.
Recycled materials in Amazon devices
Amazon is also increasing its use of recycled materials in products and packaging. Echo devices now include 58% recycled plastic and 100% recycled yarn, while the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition contains 100% recycled cobalt. Packaging uses an average of 98% recycled wood fibre.
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